Acrocercops brongniardella
This record describes Acrocercops brongniardella (species). Recorded family: Gracillariidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 8 to10mm. The larvae of this species mine the leaves of Oak species. They characteristically make twisting initial mines in the upper epidermis, which then join to form a large blotch, with a silvery appearance. In open woodland and other areas where the host species occur. The moth is univoltine, being in flight at the end of July. It can also overwinter and be found again in April and May. This is a very local species, occurring mainly in southern England and southern Ireland. Occasional sporadic populations are to be found further north. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local. http://www.leafmines.co.uk/html/Lepidoptera/A.brongniardella.htm https://bladmineerders.nl/parasites/animalia/arthropoda/insecta/lepidoptera/ditrysia/gracillarioidea/gracillariidae/gracillariinae/acrocercops/acrocercops-brongniardella/
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Gracillariidae
- Genus
- Acrocercops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In open woodland and other areas where the host species occur.
Seasonal Activity
The moth is univoltine, being in flight at the end of July. It can also overwinter and be found again in April and May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on Oak (Quercus spp.)
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a very local species, occurring mainly in southern England and southern Ireland. Occasional sporadic populations are to be found further north. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Acrocercops brongniardella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acrocercops brongniardella (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Acrocercops brongniardella
What is Acrocercops brongniardella?
Acrocercops brongniardella is a species in the family Gracillariidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Acrocercops brongniardella found?
Habitat: In open woodland and other areas where the host species occur.
When is Acrocercops brongniardella active?
Acrocercops brongniardella: seasonal activity - The moth is univoltine, being in flight at the end of July. It can also overwinter and be found again in April and May..
What is the life cycle of a Acrocercops brongniardella?
The larvae feed on Oak (Quercus spp.)